hi everyone.
School is out here, computer access is very hard to get. All the kids play games in here all day long.
Today is our last visitation time with Cole. We will have our morning play time and the afternoon play time... then tomorrow we can pick him up. We have allot of paperwork to get done before we can get him. We have to travel to his birth city, which i can say, but not spell to get his new birth certificate. They dont have computerized systems here...its all in log books in archives. They have to pull the old one in that town to up0date it to the new one. The after several other court, notary, visits within region we can go and get him. Depending on how the orphanage is on time to let him go... we may have to wait to Sat. I hope not.
We will be traveling back to Kiev this weekend. Cole has a doctor appt on Monday. Once that is cleared and all the docs are in order.... keep your fingers crossed.... we are free to fly home. Yeah. Its coming to an end and we will be home soon.
Emma we will be home a little after you get home from florida. See you then with lots of kisses!!!!!!!
Love you miss you... mommy and daddy and cole.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Monday, May 28, 2007
monday..... counting down
Hi everyone...
I am so sorry the pictures did not come thru. a store formated our disk.. but have done it in russian!!! thank you so much Lisa and Jammy for scanning in the 3 we sent home. We forgot it was cold when we got here..... ha ha ha.
Today we visited Cole and played with trucks. He now knows the tune of "the wheels on the bus". He is very good at "la la la ing" it. Back to the market today.... shopping for a few more toys . We plan on leaving most of the toys we brought at the orphanage, so we need some stuff for Kiev and the plane.
We miss you alll so much and we will be having a play day when i return. Cole really likes other kids.. imagine that. Emma I will need you to introduce him to all the kids.
Take care... more later.
I am so sorry the pictures did not come thru. a store formated our disk.. but have done it in russian!!! thank you so much Lisa and Jammy for scanning in the 3 we sent home. We forgot it was cold when we got here..... ha ha ha.
Today we visited Cole and played with trucks. He now knows the tune of "the wheels on the bus". He is very good at "la la la ing" it. Back to the market today.... shopping for a few more toys . We plan on leaving most of the toys we brought at the orphanage, so we need some stuff for Kiev and the plane.
We miss you alll so much and we will be having a play day when i return. Cole really likes other kids.. imagine that. Emma I will need you to introduce him to all the kids.
Take care... more later.
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Saturday, May 26, 2007
More Cole....
Hi Everyone.... this is Emma's new brother Cole!!! We visited him this morning, but its still hot and we are not playing as well outside. We all cant wait to come home. Cole says "Hello Emma" He cant wait to play in the back yard with you.
Have a safe drive to florida.... watch lots of movies. We will spend the weekend, shopping, eating and sleeping..... we are the wild ones. We are working on coordinating our donation for the orphanage. They are checking with the director to see what the needs are. It is amazing the change in the last week. They have repainted all the outside toys, climbers etc. They are replacing wood on seats and benches. The grass has been trimmed and some dead trees removed. Its really looking good. They are working on getting the swimming pool in working condition for summer. Concrete and paint are every where.... flower beds are full of new plants. This is a nice facility.
Have a great weekend... not sure ifwe can get online tomorrow. Sunday is really a big "get out " day for most the locals. everything is crowded.
Take care .. love you and miss you. Kisses and Hugs to Emma from Mommy and Daddy.
PS dont forget my shell from florida!!!!
Friday, May 25, 2007
FRIDAY, TOUR DAY!!!!
Hello everyone,
Things are well here, still no rain. but it is windy today. We went on a major tour today... all the sights this place has to see. the big dam, an 800 year old tree, the Cossack island and they even found Andy a botanical garden to tour. The head director walked with us and gave us the gardens info to pass on to White River state garden. The said they link with other nurserys across the world and were very excited about a possible contact in Indy. "plant swapping, I believe".
We made both our visits with Cole today. He is doing great. He has a little heat rash, but i think eveyone does. The orphanage is not air conditioned, but we think the little room they sleep in is. We see a window unit and drippy water. :)
Congratulation on your graduation Jody Brown!!!!!!!!!! We are so very proud of you!!!!!!
Emma you help grandma get all you stuff packed for florida. Remember a rocking buddy and a blanket. Dont forget your sunblock and your beach towel is in the top of the linen closet. We love an miss you emma.
We have all our pictures on a disk now.... we just need to find a place to download them. this cafe has all the disc slots blocked on the machines. bummer. I need someone to send me Jodys email if you want them sent to him .. or if he will let you on his new laptop I will just send them to dads. The file may be big so if I send it dad, I ask for you or jammy to redirect it to the rest of you and or post it here.
take care every one. time for another funfilled weekend in the Ukraine!!!
Things are well here, still no rain. but it is windy today. We went on a major tour today... all the sights this place has to see. the big dam, an 800 year old tree, the Cossack island and they even found Andy a botanical garden to tour. The head director walked with us and gave us the gardens info to pass on to White River state garden. The said they link with other nurserys across the world and were very excited about a possible contact in Indy. "plant swapping, I believe".
We made both our visits with Cole today. He is doing great. He has a little heat rash, but i think eveyone does. The orphanage is not air conditioned, but we think the little room they sleep in is. We see a window unit and drippy water. :)
Congratulation on your graduation Jody Brown!!!!!!!!!! We are so very proud of you!!!!!!
Emma you help grandma get all you stuff packed for florida. Remember a rocking buddy and a blanket. Dont forget your sunblock and your beach towel is in the top of the linen closet. We love an miss you emma.
We have all our pictures on a disk now.... we just need to find a place to download them. this cafe has all the disc slots blocked on the machines. bummer. I need someone to send me Jodys email if you want them sent to him .. or if he will let you on his new laptop I will just send them to dads. The file may be big so if I send it dad, I ask for you or jammy to redirect it to the rest of you and or post it here.
take care every one. time for another funfilled weekend in the Ukraine!!!
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Wednesday.... shopping again!!
Hello!
We visited Cole this morning and he is doing fine. The women in the other areas of the orphanage come to visit him... we think he was a favorite in his prior class. The all know his name and he smiles a waves at them.
The women enjoy looking at the family photos we brought for Cole.
Our schedule will be busy the next few days. Tomorrow we get to take Cole to get his picture taken. our first family outting. Then we got apply for his passport at the notary office. Our interpreter, Roma, will be with us for this. Then on friday we are going a a tour of Zaporizhzhya. They have a hydraulic dam, a big island and a botanical garden we will be touring. We also get to go to Mc Donalds!!!!!! Yeah!!!!! Cheeseburgers for andy!! School is out here on friday i think... computer access will be harder. we will try in the AM before the kids are awake.
Emma, we are going to go shopping for you today..... new clothes or something fun!!! Hope you have fun at the farm. We love and miss you. XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX Mommy, Daddy and Cole.
We visited Cole this morning and he is doing fine. The women in the other areas of the orphanage come to visit him... we think he was a favorite in his prior class. The all know his name and he smiles a waves at them.
The women enjoy looking at the family photos we brought for Cole.
Our schedule will be busy the next few days. Tomorrow we get to take Cole to get his picture taken. our first family outting. Then we got apply for his passport at the notary office. Our interpreter, Roma, will be with us for this. Then on friday we are going a a tour of Zaporizhzhya. They have a hydraulic dam, a big island and a botanical garden we will be touring. We also get to go to Mc Donalds!!!!!! Yeah!!!!! Cheeseburgers for andy!! School is out here on friday i think... computer access will be harder. we will try in the AM before the kids are awake.
Emma, we are going to go shopping for you today..... new clothes or something fun!!! Hope you have fun at the farm. We love and miss you. XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX Mommy, Daddy and Cole.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Its a boy!!!!!!
Hello!
Its official, he is our son and Emma's brother. The court went well. We went to a really large government building to met the translator... at 2 till 3:00 we still could not find him. Thru a series of phone calls we found out we were at the wrong large government building. This was a court house the size of a small office. We were only 2 minutes late. very nervous. the judge was a kind senior judge. he smiled and tried to keep us calm. After a series of questions....nothing major.. name, date of birth, can we care for him ... etc. He told us this was a noble thing we are doing and came back with a favorable decision on our behalf. We will have to wait the 10 day "petition" time and on the 11 day he will sign the decree. And we can then take Cole from the orphanage.
We will have a few days of paperwork and travel. We have to go to his birth town.. 3 hours away, get a passport, get a visa, a new birth certificate and a medical check up. Most of that is done in Kiev. We are about 11 hours by train from Kiev. yeah the count down has started!!
Cole is doing great. He cried really bad when we left him last night... it was sad. He can now say Hi, Bye, Yes, No, eye, ear, and marchy marchy..... ( when we walk, we march) . The staff seem impressed that he says Hi and Bye to us in english. He is very quick. He needs to play with his sister. You will want to show him your lace up cards emma.... i think he would like that.
Today we will go shopping for diaper bag stuff for Cole, a blanket to play on and we need a stroller. That one may be a challenge... especially for a small one. Back to the open air market to see what treasures we can find. Emma we found you the most wonderful little skirt. Its very fancy schmancy!!!!!!
We love getting your comments... someone else actually communicating in english is a wonderful thing. Hope you are all doing great. We really really want to come home... but it will be worth the wait. Time to go find food... maybe pizza today!!
Love you Emma, miss you soooooo much. kisses and hugs from mommy, daddy, and your little brother Cole!!
Its official, he is our son and Emma's brother. The court went well. We went to a really large government building to met the translator... at 2 till 3:00 we still could not find him. Thru a series of phone calls we found out we were at the wrong large government building. This was a court house the size of a small office. We were only 2 minutes late. very nervous. the judge was a kind senior judge. he smiled and tried to keep us calm. After a series of questions....nothing major.. name, date of birth, can we care for him ... etc. He told us this was a noble thing we are doing and came back with a favorable decision on our behalf. We will have to wait the 10 day "petition" time and on the 11 day he will sign the decree. And we can then take Cole from the orphanage.
We will have a few days of paperwork and travel. We have to go to his birth town.. 3 hours away, get a passport, get a visa, a new birth certificate and a medical check up. Most of that is done in Kiev. We are about 11 hours by train from Kiev. yeah the count down has started!!
Cole is doing great. He cried really bad when we left him last night... it was sad. He can now say Hi, Bye, Yes, No, eye, ear, and marchy marchy..... ( when we walk, we march) . The staff seem impressed that he says Hi and Bye to us in english. He is very quick. He needs to play with his sister. You will want to show him your lace up cards emma.... i think he would like that.
Today we will go shopping for diaper bag stuff for Cole, a blanket to play on and we need a stroller. That one may be a challenge... especially for a small one. Back to the open air market to see what treasures we can find. Emma we found you the most wonderful little skirt. Its very fancy schmancy!!!!!!
We love getting your comments... someone else actually communicating in english is a wonderful thing. Hope you are all doing great. We really really want to come home... but it will be worth the wait. Time to go find food... maybe pizza today!!
Love you Emma, miss you soooooo much. kisses and hugs from mommy, daddy, and your little brother Cole!!
Sunday, May 20, 2007
SUNNY SUNDAY... COURT TOMORROW
Hello everyone from the Ukraine!!!
We just left Cole after our morning visit. Emma, Mommy has a big job for you.. could you please pick out a pull toy for Cole?? You are a very good shopper and I am sure he would love whatever you choose!!!
We spoke to another couple from the US that are here in another region. The have also met their son. We must be in a good regions. sadly for them they can only visit their nicholas for 1 hour twice a day .. only once on sat and not at all on sunday. Our hours do not change on the weekend. It was nice to talk to her on the phone and compair notes. She is on day 5 of her count down. Ours will start tomorrow.
We got our toilet set.. its just wonderful. doesnt move!!!! I also splurged and purchased a new rug for the bathroom tub area.. it has tread. The old one was all worn off. It is lovely. The have a large open air market here. rows and rows of booths. You can buy old and new stuff, food, tools, car parts, fresh meat- not in a bucket- fruit and veggies. It is very crowded today. We buy large packages of pampers for the orphanage there. Its also where we got the fan, toilet seat and rug. We found some little Ukraine books for Cole's trip home. We got some wooden toys, blocks, puzzles. We wont bring them out until the train or plane trips. We did find a set of wooden blocks with the ukrain alphabet. very cool.
I wanted to share a brief moment on the fashion here.... I guess at one time they had all matching clothing, just varying in color. SOOOO... it would seem they have taken fashion to the edge. All the girls wear very revealing, disco like clothing. very tall spiked heels. beads, sequins, sheer, short, tight... this would be the normal day clothing. To go to the grocery store in ..... very interesting. Everyone has designer jeans, drawings on them, rips, designs... something. We stand out in tennis shoes and long shorts. tee hee.
We will go to the market today. The orphanage needs more pampers.... I dont think they could ever not need pampers. We always ask. they sometimes say they need more. Cole fell down and has a boo boo on his knee. it has bright red medicine on it. No booboo bandage. You can pick some of those out for him too Emma. He seems to like bugs and cars. He now giggles and wallers. he was full of energy this morning. running around and laughing. He is testing us, he throws things until we tell him NYE (no) and take it away. We asked how to say Stop.. but we both forgot what the teacher told us.
We will send more tomorrow, if we can. We go to court at 11:00 and hopefull I can get in here to a free computer later in the day. Keep your fingers crossed that the judge thinks we will be ok parents for Cole. We miss you all.. especially our emma. I am glad you like the movie and had fun with grandma. KISSES AND HUGS EMMA..... XOXOXOXOXOXO MOMMY AND DADDY
We just left Cole after our morning visit. Emma, Mommy has a big job for you.. could you please pick out a pull toy for Cole?? You are a very good shopper and I am sure he would love whatever you choose!!!
We spoke to another couple from the US that are here in another region. The have also met their son. We must be in a good regions. sadly for them they can only visit their nicholas for 1 hour twice a day .. only once on sat and not at all on sunday. Our hours do not change on the weekend. It was nice to talk to her on the phone and compair notes. She is on day 5 of her count down. Ours will start tomorrow.
We got our toilet set.. its just wonderful. doesnt move!!!! I also splurged and purchased a new rug for the bathroom tub area.. it has tread. The old one was all worn off. It is lovely. The have a large open air market here. rows and rows of booths. You can buy old and new stuff, food, tools, car parts, fresh meat- not in a bucket- fruit and veggies. It is very crowded today. We buy large packages of pampers for the orphanage there. Its also where we got the fan, toilet seat and rug. We found some little Ukraine books for Cole's trip home. We got some wooden toys, blocks, puzzles. We wont bring them out until the train or plane trips. We did find a set of wooden blocks with the ukrain alphabet. very cool.
I wanted to share a brief moment on the fashion here.... I guess at one time they had all matching clothing, just varying in color. SOOOO... it would seem they have taken fashion to the edge. All the girls wear very revealing, disco like clothing. very tall spiked heels. beads, sequins, sheer, short, tight... this would be the normal day clothing. To go to the grocery store in ..... very interesting. Everyone has designer jeans, drawings on them, rips, designs... something. We stand out in tennis shoes and long shorts. tee hee.
We will go to the market today. The orphanage needs more pampers.... I dont think they could ever not need pampers. We always ask. they sometimes say they need more. Cole fell down and has a boo boo on his knee. it has bright red medicine on it. No booboo bandage. You can pick some of those out for him too Emma. He seems to like bugs and cars. He now giggles and wallers. he was full of energy this morning. running around and laughing. He is testing us, he throws things until we tell him NYE (no) and take it away. We asked how to say Stop.. but we both forgot what the teacher told us.
We will send more tomorrow, if we can. We go to court at 11:00 and hopefull I can get in here to a free computer later in the day. Keep your fingers crossed that the judge thinks we will be ok parents for Cole. We miss you all.. especially our emma. I am glad you like the movie and had fun with grandma. KISSES AND HUGS EMMA..... XOXOXOXOXOXO MOMMY AND DADDY
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Saturday... hot and sunny!
Hello!!
Jammy thank you so much for posting emmas pictures. i think she has grown 2 inches. You look beautiful Emma!!!
Its very hot again. has to be over 80 at 11:00. We just visited Cole. He is very good with his new toy.. a shape sorting box. The couple from Isreal too there son today. The tried to have a party, but they would not let the kids have tort cake or suckers. said the sugar would hurt there teeth. We will make a note of that for our good bye party. Dry sweet crackers and fresh juice. We actually sat in his little eatting room during the party. Its very clean, no clutter. I saw little toddler beds in another room. I will ask if one is Coles when our translator is here on Monday.
We did confirm we have court on Monday at 11;00. Our translator will come in sunday night and get us and the paperwork ready. Then begins the 10 day count down!! Yeah.
We got Cole a few items of travel clothing and new shoes. His little sholders are 9 inches across and his waist is 18 inches around. He is in a 23 shoe, but the new ones we got him are 24 and a tiny bit big. Mom the 23 1/2 sound perfect!!!
Today our big adventure is to buy a new toliet seat. the one in the apt is broken on the back... and we want a new one. Yesterday we had pizza for lunch.. and it was actually really good pizza. Ham and mushroom with lots of cheese.
I will try to email and or call all of you this week. its really hot in this little cafe, 15 computers, 20 kids, no air conditioner. Lisa i got your email... thanks i enjoyed reading it. i will try to call tues. monica and leslie have fun at the play day. ross, beth, sandy, jim... Cole sends his love and kisses.
Emma we love an miss you ... I hope you enjoyed shrek with grandma. i hope you got your crocs too. hugs and kisses from mommy and daddy. XOXOXOXO
Jammy thank you so much for posting emmas pictures. i think she has grown 2 inches. You look beautiful Emma!!!
Its very hot again. has to be over 80 at 11:00. We just visited Cole. He is very good with his new toy.. a shape sorting box. The couple from Isreal too there son today. The tried to have a party, but they would not let the kids have tort cake or suckers. said the sugar would hurt there teeth. We will make a note of that for our good bye party. Dry sweet crackers and fresh juice. We actually sat in his little eatting room during the party. Its very clean, no clutter. I saw little toddler beds in another room. I will ask if one is Coles when our translator is here on Monday.
We did confirm we have court on Monday at 11;00. Our translator will come in sunday night and get us and the paperwork ready. Then begins the 10 day count down!! Yeah.
We got Cole a few items of travel clothing and new shoes. His little sholders are 9 inches across and his waist is 18 inches around. He is in a 23 shoe, but the new ones we got him are 24 and a tiny bit big. Mom the 23 1/2 sound perfect!!!
Today our big adventure is to buy a new toliet seat. the one in the apt is broken on the back... and we want a new one. Yesterday we had pizza for lunch.. and it was actually really good pizza. Ham and mushroom with lots of cheese.
I will try to email and or call all of you this week. its really hot in this little cafe, 15 computers, 20 kids, no air conditioner. Lisa i got your email... thanks i enjoyed reading it. i will try to call tues. monica and leslie have fun at the play day. ross, beth, sandy, jim... Cole sends his love and kisses.
Emma we love an miss you ... I hope you enjoyed shrek with grandma. i hope you got your crocs too. hugs and kisses from mommy and daddy. XOXOXOXO
Friday, May 18, 2007
Pictures of Emily from home
Ello all, it's Jammy Jo. Sally, Andy, Nicholai here are some recent pictures of emily.
Singing her heart out at her graduation above, and in front of Grandma and Grandpa's house below.
Singing her heart out at her graduation above, and in front of Grandma and Grandpa's house below.
He cried when we left......sigh
Hello everyone!
its friday and we are now on a pretty regular shcedule seeing cole. We pick him up from his class.. about 12 kids and 5 teachers. very very good ratio. they give us a blanket, we bring toys , juice and a snack. the grounds of the orphanage are very big and they have about 15 different play type shelter areas. all have been painted in the last 3-4 years. just showing some wear. grass is getting tall... we saw the guy with a weedeater and it died on him. the next day he had a scythe (spelling... long handled bladed cutter tool) We eat our snack.. cookies or crackers or fruit. have juice.. apple or grape and then walk and play. he has quickly discovered the joy of going thru my purse and when we get up to leave he puts all his toys right into it.
Today for the first time when we had to take him back.... he would not go into the door. He cried... we had to distract him ... it was so sad, but so good. he calls me momma and andy poppa. he wont walk around usually without one of us holding his hand. and of course a toy in the other one.
the women there know our names and told me today that the Dr. said Cole has a cold or something.. he has been a little drippy. any way our mission today is to find a ukraine pharamacy and get the note they gave us filled to take back this afternoon. we have been buying diapers for them... they really appreciate it. they are all very nice and good with the kids.
Cole went thru my wallet today... got a huge grin when he saw Emma and giggled "emma" He really want to play with you. You will have to show him your big ball in the back yard.
Its very hot here... probably 85 ish. cant tell the weather is in russian. no air conditioners... i love my fan.
Gene from the agency will call us today with the actual time for our court appt. on Monday. Some one from the agency will be coming to go with us. We are so excited for the 10 day count down. the other 2 couples that are here from italy and isreal go home with there boys tomorrow. they told us to be patient... it will pass.
i did measure Coles waist, shoulders, and leg (outseam) today with my ribbon. I will get measurements to you.... you will have to guess the size from that. The may not be perfect, a little oversize, but its ok .. he will grow!!!
we miss you all so much. Congratulations to Emma on being in Pre - K now!! We love you Emma, pet maggie for us and give Marley a hug.
Love mommy and daddy.
ps... Cole saw marleys picture and said Marley and barked... tee hee
its friday and we are now on a pretty regular shcedule seeing cole. We pick him up from his class.. about 12 kids and 5 teachers. very very good ratio. they give us a blanket, we bring toys , juice and a snack. the grounds of the orphanage are very big and they have about 15 different play type shelter areas. all have been painted in the last 3-4 years. just showing some wear. grass is getting tall... we saw the guy with a weedeater and it died on him. the next day he had a scythe (spelling... long handled bladed cutter tool) We eat our snack.. cookies or crackers or fruit. have juice.. apple or grape and then walk and play. he has quickly discovered the joy of going thru my purse and when we get up to leave he puts all his toys right into it.
Today for the first time when we had to take him back.... he would not go into the door. He cried... we had to distract him ... it was so sad, but so good. he calls me momma and andy poppa. he wont walk around usually without one of us holding his hand. and of course a toy in the other one.
the women there know our names and told me today that the Dr. said Cole has a cold or something.. he has been a little drippy. any way our mission today is to find a ukraine pharamacy and get the note they gave us filled to take back this afternoon. we have been buying diapers for them... they really appreciate it. they are all very nice and good with the kids.
Cole went thru my wallet today... got a huge grin when he saw Emma and giggled "emma" He really want to play with you. You will have to show him your big ball in the back yard.
Its very hot here... probably 85 ish. cant tell the weather is in russian. no air conditioners... i love my fan.
Gene from the agency will call us today with the actual time for our court appt. on Monday. Some one from the agency will be coming to go with us. We are so excited for the 10 day count down. the other 2 couples that are here from italy and isreal go home with there boys tomorrow. they told us to be patient... it will pass.
i did measure Coles waist, shoulders, and leg (outseam) today with my ribbon. I will get measurements to you.... you will have to guess the size from that. The may not be perfect, a little oversize, but its ok .. he will grow!!!
we miss you all so much. Congratulations to Emma on being in Pre - K now!! We love you Emma, pet maggie for us and give Marley a hug.
Love mommy and daddy.
ps... Cole saw marleys picture and said Marley and barked... tee hee
Thursday, May 17, 2007
THURSDAY.. MAY 17
Hello!
Happy Graduation to Emma!!! We are so proud of you! Mom and Dad and Brother send our love!!!
We have already visited Cole this morning. He was in a very happy mood. He did not cry at all when we took him. Yeah!! He even did a little dancing on our blanket. Emma, he can drink from a juice box, but he squirts it all over. He just mastered "a straw"... no clue when we got here. He seems to really like toys that you put in- take out, make music noise and interactive toys. We take a toy each day and some times it has to stay depending on how many kids are swarming Andy who carries the toy. The other kids from his class are very cute. We sat with them yesterday so we could watch him play. His caregiver saw the picture of Emma swimming and said that he likes to swim too. Daddy will set up the pool as soon as we get home Emma!!!!
We bought a fan for the appt. 20.00 we will leave it at the orphanage when we get home. Our rent is also 20.00 for 24 hours..... so the fan is a luxury. We are going to a bigger new market today. Buying pampers for his class and looking for him some shoes and clothing and maybe some sun glasses. The sun annoys him. Emma he may need that sponge bob window shade in the car.
It is hot here, but there is a constant breeze. It has not rained here since we arrived. Only once when we were in Kiev. We found a resteraunt that has menu in English. We eat there very often and sit outside by the fountain. They have "chicken on a stick"... which is actually chicken grilled on a stick. very tasty. Andy likes the borscht here too. We are eating ok.
We found the post office and have mailed out pictures of Cole to both of the grandmas houses. We sent them air mail so hopefully you will get them before we get back!!! Our agency reps have been wonderful. The still call to check on us everyday. We are here alone until we go to court on Monday, but its ok. They showed us around and gave us a programmed cell phone. We can contact them at any time.
We miss you all very much. EMMA HUGS AND KISSES FROM ALL OF US XOXOXOXO
ps Emma I dont know about the ice cream yet, but they dont have Dairy Queen here. I am guessing he will love sprinkles. He does like strawberry and grape.
pps has elizabeth had her baby?????
Happy Graduation to Emma!!! We are so proud of you! Mom and Dad and Brother send our love!!!
We have already visited Cole this morning. He was in a very happy mood. He did not cry at all when we took him. Yeah!! He even did a little dancing on our blanket. Emma, he can drink from a juice box, but he squirts it all over. He just mastered "a straw"... no clue when we got here. He seems to really like toys that you put in- take out, make music noise and interactive toys. We take a toy each day and some times it has to stay depending on how many kids are swarming Andy who carries the toy. The other kids from his class are very cute. We sat with them yesterday so we could watch him play. His caregiver saw the picture of Emma swimming and said that he likes to swim too. Daddy will set up the pool as soon as we get home Emma!!!!
We bought a fan for the appt. 20.00 we will leave it at the orphanage when we get home. Our rent is also 20.00 for 24 hours..... so the fan is a luxury. We are going to a bigger new market today. Buying pampers for his class and looking for him some shoes and clothing and maybe some sun glasses. The sun annoys him. Emma he may need that sponge bob window shade in the car.
It is hot here, but there is a constant breeze. It has not rained here since we arrived. Only once when we were in Kiev. We found a resteraunt that has menu in English. We eat there very often and sit outside by the fountain. They have "chicken on a stick"... which is actually chicken grilled on a stick. very tasty. Andy likes the borscht here too. We are eating ok.
We found the post office and have mailed out pictures of Cole to both of the grandmas houses. We sent them air mail so hopefully you will get them before we get back!!! Our agency reps have been wonderful. The still call to check on us everyday. We are here alone until we go to court on Monday, but its ok. They showed us around and gave us a programmed cell phone. We can contact them at any time.
We miss you all very much. EMMA HUGS AND KISSES FROM ALL OF US XOXOXOXO
ps Emma I dont know about the ice cream yet, but they dont have Dairy Queen here. I am guessing he will love sprinkles. He does like strawberry and grape.
pps has elizabeth had her baby?????
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Tour and Shop!
Hello Everyone!! Greetings from the Ukraine!
Its been a busy day of a walking tour and shopping. We have seen some really beautiful churches. We climbed to the top of a bell tower, it was the tallest spot in Kiev. We have lots of pictures. We purchased some gifts from
little market stands. I am getting good at bartering.. especially if you shop in large quantity!!
Andy wanted me to add a note on his :special find: He has purchased a set of stacking Colts dolls. First one the guy had sold. Manning, Harrison, Wayne, Clark and Rhodes. He is very excited about it!!!!!!
Last night we stayed in and watched DVDs... had to see some thing in english! We tried to cook our own dinner, tortellini, and used what we now know is a decorative glass cover for the stove top. Needless to say ... it blew up. Live and learn, we will be buying them a new one... tee hee.
Tomorrow we leave Kiev. We are traveling by train thru the night to Zaporizhzhya. We will arrive on Monday and I think we have an apartment there. I am fully confident that Gene will take good care of us. He and his staff are very watchful of where we are and what we are doing.
The food here is good.. we did have Mcdonalds today. It was about the same as home. For dinner tonight Andy is eating Borscht soup and waiting on his pork ribs. I am having chicken on a skewer with Georgian spices. It's very tasty, I had it hear last time.
We miss you all very much. Love you Emma!!!! We will talk to you all again when we get to the new region and find WIFI again!!! Hug Emma for us!!!!!
Its been a busy day of a walking tour and shopping. We have seen some really beautiful churches. We climbed to the top of a bell tower, it was the tallest spot in Kiev. We have lots of pictures. We purchased some gifts from
little market stands. I am getting good at bartering.. especially if you shop in large quantity!!
Andy wanted me to add a note on his :special find: He has purchased a set of stacking Colts dolls. First one the guy had sold. Manning, Harrison, Wayne, Clark and Rhodes. He is very excited about it!!!!!!
Last night we stayed in and watched DVDs... had to see some thing in english! We tried to cook our own dinner, tortellini, and used what we now know is a decorative glass cover for the stove top. Needless to say ... it blew up. Live and learn, we will be buying them a new one... tee hee.
Tomorrow we leave Kiev. We are traveling by train thru the night to Zaporizhzhya. We will arrive on Monday and I think we have an apartment there. I am fully confident that Gene will take good care of us. He and his staff are very watchful of where we are and what we are doing.
The food here is good.. we did have Mcdonalds today. It was about the same as home. For dinner tonight Andy is eating Borscht soup and waiting on his pork ribs. I am having chicken on a skewer with Georgian spices. It's very tasty, I had it hear last time.
We miss you all very much. Love you Emma!!!! We will talk to you all again when we get to the new region and find WIFI again!!! Hug Emma for us!!!!!
Thursday, May 10, 2007
We found WIFI.....Yeah!!!!
Hello Everyone...hello Emma... We miss you so much!!!!!
We are in Kiev, its much larger than I expected. There are very tall apartment building everywhere. We are on the 5th floor of an old building that was built in 1920. Its very cool, 12 foot ceilings, wooden floors and no elevator! I am so glad we took lots of adaptors. The only electric issue is a heater/fan that is no more......oops. The accommodations are much like home.
The city is clean, the people are friendly. Gene, our POA, is wonderful. He and his staff watch over us and take us anywhere we want to go. The food is interesting..lots of garlic. So far so good! We do have Easy Mac for breakfast!
Its cool here, scattered rain. We are finally adjusting to the time.. 7 hours difference is allot!
OK... wonderful news at the appointment today. The women we met with were very nice and showed us 7-8 boys.
We have chosen to go and met a 2 1/2 year old boy. His name is Nykola. He is in the Zaporishshya region at the Sonechko Children's Home. We are waiting for the referral to visit, but it looks like we will travel there on Sunday night by train. Its about 8 hours away. We will get to met him on Monday to make our final decision about him. They will provide us with all his medical information. We hear he is walking and babbling, a very sociable little guy. We are so excited!!!!
This weekend we will say in Kiev. Gene has arranged a tour for us and we want to do some shopping. Nesting dolls and painted eggs are everywhere! I believe we will be in another apt. in Zaporizhzha, Gene said its a good region and he knows several people there! We will try to make time fly by shopping!!
We will post more later. Take care and hug Emma for me!!
We are in Kiev, its much larger than I expected. There are very tall apartment building everywhere. We are on the 5th floor of an old building that was built in 1920. Its very cool, 12 foot ceilings, wooden floors and no elevator! I am so glad we took lots of adaptors. The only electric issue is a heater/fan that is no more......oops. The accommodations are much like home.
The city is clean, the people are friendly. Gene, our POA, is wonderful. He and his staff watch over us and take us anywhere we want to go. The food is interesting..lots of garlic. So far so good! We do have Easy Mac for breakfast!
Its cool here, scattered rain. We are finally adjusting to the time.. 7 hours difference is allot!
OK... wonderful news at the appointment today. The women we met with were very nice and showed us 7-8 boys.
We have chosen to go and met a 2 1/2 year old boy. His name is Nykola. He is in the Zaporishshya region at the Sonechko Children's Home. We are waiting for the referral to visit, but it looks like we will travel there on Sunday night by train. Its about 8 hours away. We will get to met him on Monday to make our final decision about him. They will provide us with all his medical information. We hear he is walking and babbling, a very sociable little guy. We are so excited!!!!
This weekend we will say in Kiev. Gene has arranged a tour for us and we want to do some shopping. Nesting dolls and painted eggs are everywhere! I believe we will be in another apt. in Zaporizhzha, Gene said its a good region and he knows several people there! We will try to make time fly by shopping!!
We will post more later. Take care and hug Emma for me!!
Hello from Ukraine!
Hello everybody! We made it here. We are staying in a pretty nice one bedroom apartment and our appointment is still on for later today (Thurs).
We are having a horrible time finding internet access. All that is available most places is dial-up access and we don't exactly have a Ukrainian internet provider. We are still searching for a wireless access point. When we find one we will let everyone know!
Yesterday was a holiday here and there were all kinds of parades and festivities, hopefully we'll talk to everyone soon!
We are having a horrible time finding internet access. All that is available most places is dial-up access and we don't exactly have a Ukrainian internet provider. We are still searching for a wireless access point. When we find one we will let everyone know!
Yesterday was a holiday here and there were all kinds of parades and festivities, hopefully we'll talk to everyone soon!
Saturday, May 5, 2007
Saturday waiting...
Hi everyone!
We are sitting around looking at all the things we need to put in our bags for the trip. There are no words to describe how excited we are!!! The next time we post we will be in the Ukraine. We will miss you all, especially my Emma.
More later!!!
We are sitting around looking at all the things we need to put in our bags for the trip. There are no words to describe how excited we are!!! The next time we post we will be in the Ukraine. We will miss you all, especially my Emma.
More later!!!
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